The well-being of children, youth and families is critical to the growth and success of a community. "Well-being" is defined as those factors that influence the likelihood that a child will grow to be a well-educated, economically secure, productive and healthy adult. In Manatee County, the Dedicated Millage for Children funds an array of prevention, intervention and treatment programs for children birth through seventeen years of age, as authorized by MC CodeOfOrdinances Article IX ChildrensServices
Manatee County Government's Children's Services Dedicated Millage
The majority of funding is used for the purpose of supporting prevention based programs and services for children and their families, such as:
- Programs and services that promote healthy babies and healthy families
- School readiness and school success
- Preserve the unity and integrity of the family and parental relationships
- Recreational and youth development activities
- Activities that promote healthy lifestyles
- Teen pregnancy prevention
Ordinance #91-42 also established the Children's Services Advisory Board. This 13 member Board is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners to evaluate, prioritize and make recommendations concerning the needs of Manatee County's children and families. The Advisory Board provides the program funding recommendations on an annual basis.
- Children's Programs
- Children's Services Annual Plan
- Agency Application Process
- Sleep Baby Safely Initiative of Manatee County
- Child Risk Assessment Reports
Meet our team!
Kristi Hagen, Human Services Program Coordinator: Serves as supervisor for the Children's Team and liaison for Manatee County's Children’s Services Advisory Board. Kristi supports and guides the team in all aspects of contract management, and maintains status as Blackbaud Grantmaking administrator. She enjoys working directly with non-profit agency staff and administration to ensure the needs of Manatee County's children and families are being met and that results are achieved. She has gained vast knowledge and experience in business management, leadership and early childhood services. Having successfully completed multiple leadership programs through Manatee County and in previous positions, she enjoys guiding the team to always work towards their own personal and professional goals. For over 30 years Kristi has worked with children and families.
Kim Ross, Whole Child Manatee Coordinator: Coordinates efforts on behalf of Whole Child Manatee, a program that provides a holistic approach to supporting families with children that experience barriers to obtaining services for their family. Kim maintains the Whole Child Connections database and assists community providers to increase their knowledge of service systems and relevant up-to-date information that supports the whole family. Kim has been with Whole Child Manatee since 2003, first hired as an Advisor until she became coordinator in 2018.
Melissa Bomar, Human Services Analyst: Manage all aspects of Children’s Services contracts by utilizing her experience working directly with children's programs, Veterans, and Circuit 12's legal system. She believes children are the future and they deserve the best programs Manatee County has to offer. Melissa has background in business management, is Blackbaud certified, and is a State of Florida Public Notary. She is also an 8-year Army Veteran, gives back to the local community through volunteer work and enjoys coaching children in various sports. She lives by the motto, "vision without action is just a daydream".
Brenda Marquez Facio, Human Services Analyst: Manages all aspects of Children's Services contracts and works with non-profit agencies to ensure the children are receiving the help they need. Brenda graduated with her Bachelor's Degree in International Business and Trade from State College of Florida and wants to use her degree to help the community around her to become better and more united. Brenda believes children are the future for anything possible and wants to see them thrive and succeed for a better tomorrow.